Otto

“Wealth, fortune”

Germanic origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#282US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

↑Rising

34.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 189100

How to pronounce Otto

AH·toh

/ˈɑ.ˌtoʊ/ · stress on AH · 2 syllables

“Wealth, fortune”

Germanic origin · Unisex name

What does Otto mean and where does it come from?

While Otto is predominantly a male name, it has been used as a female name in modern contexts, particularly in creative naming practices. The name has Germanic roots and has been borne by many notable figures throughout history, including Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany. Its use a

Cultural significance

Otto has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of wealth, fortune.

Peak popularity

Reached #1352 in 1891 — currently #282 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Otto?

Otto works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Otto Grace

How popular is Otto right now?

Rising — up 29 spots — currently #282 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#282 · Top 0.21%

1915

1920

1925

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#282	1,193	▲ up 29 · +10% births
2022	#311	1,082	▲ up 24 · +11% births
2021	#335	975	▲ up 3697 · +13829% births
1925	#4032	7	▲ up 374 · +17% births
1920	#4406	6	▼ down 601
1915	#3805	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Otto

Best Year2023Rank #282

Peak Count1,193

Average Rank#2195

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20236 years

The story of Otto

Otto has been a beloved American name for over 133 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1891. A total of 34,257 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3805 in 1915 to #282 in 2023. Otto is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Otto in 1891:

Mary Anna Margaret Elizabeth Emma

Otto by decade

Otto peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	2,679
1890s	2,559
1900s	1,746
1910s ★	5,593
1920s	5,584
1930s	3,135
1940s	1,918
1950s	1,511
1960s	1,125
1970s	712
1980s	573
1990s	609
2000s	1,168
2010s	4,558
2020s	787

What are good nicknames for Otto?

ITALIAN

OttorinoRino

ANCIENT GERMANIC

AudaOdaOdilaOdilia

ENGLISH

OdeliaOdettaOttoline

FRENCH

OdetteOdile

Famous people named Otto

Otto (Scandinavian royal)

Otto held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Otto (Germanic saint)

Otto spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Otto (medieval German ruler)

Otto bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Otto (Norse explorer)

Otto carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Otto?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Otto also consider these

Otta

Germanic · Old German

Ott

Germanic · Wealth, fortune.

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hutto

Germanic · A Germanic name

How is Otto written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Otto

What does the name Otto mean?

Otto means "Wealth, fortune" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Otto?

Otto is currently ranked #282 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Otto have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Otto?

Otto originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Otto?

Otto is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 T OW2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Otto trending right now?

Otto is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.